By: Emma Risell, Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Westampton
From Feb. 27 to Mar. 1, Absegami High School put on their production of “Seussical.”
“Seussical,” lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, first premiered on Broadway in 2000 and soon after embarked on its National Tour in 2002. The story follows JoJo and the Whos on their tiny speck of dust as Horton the Elephant protects them and tries to convince the other animals of the jungle that their world truly exists, all while being narrated by the well-renowned Cat in the Hat!
“Seussical” strings together beloved Dr. Seuss characters, stories, and plots to create a whimsical adventure that teaches audiences the power of imagination.
From start to finish, the cast of “Seussical” commanded the stage with vibrant energy that captivated the audience. Their audience interactions and powerhouse performances allowed viewers to be transported into the land of Dr. Seuss.
The Cat in the Hat, played by Mason Kane, had audience members howling with laughter at his antics, from sitting in the audience to trying to conduct the show. He provided amazing facial expressions that were readable from even the farthest row. Gertrude McFuzz, played by Lara Pruitt, was able to embody the awkwardness of her character while still showcasing her soaring vocals in songs such as “Amazing Gertrude” and “All for You”. Pruitt displayed her remarkable ability to turn her character’s times of insecurity into memorable and relatable moments.
With such a large cast, the ensemble and supporting actors drove the show, bringing every moment to life. JoJo, played by Emily Wozniak, provided bright vocals in the song “It’s Possible (In McElligot’s Pool)” and brought a childlike wonder to every scene she was in. Additionally, the Wickersham Brothers’ street style and mischievous attitudes provided an extra layer of swagger and charm to the Jungle of Nool, especially Hailey Schweizer’s bad-boy attitude in “Monkey Around”. Sharing the spotlight, Sour Kangaroo, played by Kayden Komraus, had a sassy attitude that was proven to be unstoppable throughout the show. Utilizing a puppet to play her daughter, Baby Kangaroo, was an added piece of originality that made the character flourish.
The ensemble captivated the audience with their breathtaking harmonies in “Solla Sollew,” while the “Solla Sollew” Ballet Dancers grabbed the audience’s attention visually with their fluid, emotional choreography. The Whos in Whoville offered a delightfully vivid contrast to the rest of the show. Characters such as Cindy Lou Who, played by Ashley Park, added to the whimsy and charm of the town, truly embodying their book characters and bringing them to life.
One of the major contributions to this show’s excellence was its set. Its use of levels was incorporated throughout the show in songs such as “Alone in the Universe,” as it demonstrated the distance between Horton the Elephant and JoJo. Moreover, the costumes did not go unnoticed, as the bright and vivid colors were associated with each ensemble of characters, allowing the audience to be not only pleased visually but also comprehend the show and its many characters.
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